S.E. Thurston Fire Authority -
Serving the cities of Yelm, Rainier, and surrounding unincorporated areas. (360) 458-2799
Serving the cities of Yelm, Rainier, and surrounding unincorporated areas.
(360) 458-2799

Tag Archives: setfa

Recent News

Stay Safe on Icy Roads

We’ve had several nights in the last couple of weeks that reached freezing temperatures, and thus ice on the roads is becoming a risk. When ice forms on roads, they get significantly more slippery and increase the risk of accidents. Staying safe is a top priority, and these tips can help you avoid injury while on the roads.

Drive at a Safe Speed

While sticking to the speed limit is always recommended, refraining from excessive speeds is especially important when ice is present. Even posted speed limits can be too fast when roads are slick, especially on curves or slopes. When driving, don’t drive your vehicle faster than you can control, and when curves and other vehicles are present it’s best to slow down.

Avoid Sudden Stops and Turns

As much as possible, give yourself plenty of time to slow down for stops and turns. Suddenly braking or turning your vehicle significantly increases your chances of losing control.

Check Your Tires

Tires need replaced over time, as they slowly wear down and lose their tread when driven on. Tires with low or compromised tread have reduced control and stopping power, and when ice is present this effect is amplified. Check your tires and ensure they have a safe amount of tread, and if not, replace them with tires suitable for driving in winter conditions.

Keep an Emergency Pack in Your Vehicle

While the hope is that you’ll never end up stranded in freezing weather, being prepared for such an event can significantly help you get out of that situation. Important items to have in your vehicle include a spare tire, a tire jack, jumper cables, and an automotive repair kit. In addition to the usual maintenance pack, put a bag of emergency supplies together in case you end up stranded for a long period of time. Things such as cold weather clothing, a blanket, non-perishable food, water, a phone charging bank, and handheld heat packs can keep you comfortable for longer times.

Refrain From Driving in Dangerous Conditions

While sometimes you can’t avoid driving in hazardous conditions, it’s best to stay where you are when roads are dangerous. After all, you can’t get into a car accident when you stay home. Even if you’re cautious and sure you won’t lose control of your vehicle, the presence of other drivers still poses a risk of accidents.

 

As the days and nights continue to get colder, staying safe should be everyone’s top priority. In the case of an automotive emergency, try to get out of the flow of traffic and call 911.

Recent News

Burn Ban Lifted

The burn ban affecting Thurston county has been lifted as of 10/1/23. While there has been significantly less rainfall than average, the increase in moisture has lowered the risk of fire enough to warrant the lifting of the ban. The risk is not gone, however, and the Washington Department of National Resources still holds the fire risk at “moderate”, and as such some state-protected lands and land clearing burns are still restricted. Please read this article from ORCAA for more information:

ORCAA Burn Ban Update – Oct. 2, 2023

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Fire Extinguisher Guide and Why You Need One

It’s important to understand that with proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save lives and property. Many adults might not know how or when to use fire extinguishers. Fire departments can help with fire extinguisher training and answer questions that community members may have.

Fire extinguishers contain different extinguishing agents such as water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or wet chemical, depending on the kind of fire the extinguisher is intended for.

Did you know:

There are 5 primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires.

Fire Extinguisher Type A

For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper.

Often found in homes and businesses

 

Fire Extinguisher Type B

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses

 

Fire Extinguisher Type C

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses

 

Fire Extinguisher Type D

For use with flammable metals.

Often found in factories

 

Fire Extinguisher Type K

For use with vegetable oils, animal oils and fats in cooking appliances.

Often found in commercial kitchens (restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses)

 

 

There are also multipurpose fire extinguishers that might be labeled “B-C” or “A-B-C” that can be used on most types of home fires. Most home improvement stores carry multipurpose fire extinguishers that cover Class A through Class C.

 

Messages to share

  • Always look for the “UL Listed” or “ULC Listed” label on a fire extinguisher to ensure it is certified for use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
  • Fire extinguishers vary in size and weight, but it is recommended to select the largest fire extinguisher that a user can safely and comfortably operate.
  • How to read the classification label: The number before the “A” represents a multiple of 1.25 gallons of water whereas the number before the “B” represents a multiple of the area or size in square feet of fire to be extinguished. For example, a fire extinguisher classification of 1A:10B:C indicates that it provides the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water applied on a Class A fire. The number 10 indicates it can extinguish Class B fires up to 10 square feet in size, and the C indicates that it can be used for Class C fires.

Encourage people to contact their fire department if they would like fire extinguisher training or have any questions. Help spread the word by sharing the following information and tips for using and maintaining fire extinguishers.

 

Help people decide when to use a fire extinguisher

Consider providing a checklist to help people prepare to use a fire extinguisher. For example:

  • Have I alerted others in the building that there is a fire?
  • Has someone called the fire department?
  • Am I physically able to use a fire extinguisher?
    Young children and older adults should not use fire extinguishers.
  • Is the fire small and contained in a single object or to a surface (like a pan or a wastebasket)?
  • Am I safe from the fire’s toxic smoke?
  • Do I have a clear escape route?

Use a fire extinguisher when all of these questions are answered “yes.” If you’re unsure about whether it is safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from a mobile or neighbor’s phone.

 

Teach people how to use a fire extinguisher

When operating a fire extinguisher, tell residents to remember the word PASS:

  • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
  • Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

how to use a fire extinguisher PASS

 

Educate on the importance of fire extinguisher maintenance

Remind community residents to check fire extinguishers for:

Easy access in an emergency
Be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it.
The recommended pressure level
Many extinguishers have gauges that show when pressure is too high or too low.
Working parts
Make sure the can, hoses and nozzles are not damaged, dented or rusted.
Cleanliness
Remove any dust, oil or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher.
Guidelines and instructions
Some extinguishers need to be shaken monthly; others need to be pressure tested every few years. You can recharge some fire extinguishers while others will need to be replaced if the pressure is too low.

 

Original Post from FEMA and Additional Information (Click Here)

Events, Recent News

Open House (and tacos) at Station 21 – July 15th 🌮

We’re excited to being having an Open House at Station 21 in Yelm!

It will run from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Join us at our headquarters Station 21 (709 Mill Rd SE., Yelm, WA). Bring the whole family, learn more about SE Thurston Fire Authority, kid’s activities, meet your local firefighters, and check out the fire engines. We hope to see you there!

Plus, we have an extra special treat for you! Grab some FREE tacos! They’re limited, so be early!

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